Hi! My name is Imogen, and I am currently a first-year studying Psychology at Durham University. I am passionate about understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying everyday behaviour, which is why my research project is focussing on empathy development in children. My experience working with children from range of backgrounds as a volunteer tutor and a lifeguard have emphasised my interest in human behaviour, and the study of psychology constantly questions the classic nature vs nurture debate, as I intend to do. A key skill for leaders in empathy, so my hope is that my research can support understanding into neurodiversity and other conditions that cause empathy to develop in different ways, so that these people can have the best opportunities to succeed!

I am a current Biochemistry Undergraduate at the University of Oxford. I am happily a part of the 2026 Laidlaw Scholar Cohort.  I am very grateful to be a part of this programme where I am able to develop my character and behaviours to become a more ethical leader. I want to also be able to provide a positive impact on the people around me, my community and the world at large in all means possible. I have a particular interest in gender equality and improving women's reproductive health. I am also interested in climate action and protecting our oceans and lands.  As a previous tutor, mentor and being a state-school student, I can attest to seeing the differences in educational attainment between certain regions and demographics. Through the Laidlaw Research programme, I will be able to conduct research on how co-curricular activities can be used to supplement students who are unlikely to consider higher education or have low educational attainment, and improve their wellbeing and ambitions.